ERIC Number: EJ1407598
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2024
Pages: 10
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1366-8250
EISSN: EISSN-1469-9532
Available Date: N/A
Characteristics of Children Attending an Autism Specific Early Learning and Care Setting Prior to and Following Introduction of the National Disability Insurance Scheme
Megan Clark; Cheryl Dissanayake
Journal of Intellectual & Developmental Disability, v49 n1 p36-45 2024
Background: The rollout of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has transformed the Australian funding landscape for individuals with disability and their families. This study examined whether the profiles of autistic children and their families accessing an early intervention (EI) setting have changed following its introduction. Methods: The cognition and behavioural profiles of children funded under the NDIS (n = 58) were compared to children who had received block government funding (n = 58). Parental mental health and quality of life (QoL) outcomes were compared. Results: Children presented with similar baseline cognition, functional abilities and autism behaviours at intake into EI irrespective of funding type. While parental QoL was similar across groups, parents funded by the NDIS reported significantly higher stress and depression levels. Conclusions: The current findings suggest that modifications to the NDIS framework may be necessary to extend benefits beyond the individual living with disability to foster the health and wellbeing of their primary carers.
Descriptors: Students with Disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Early Intervention, Federal Aid, Financial Support, Student Behavior, Quality of Life, Parents, Mental Health, Stress Variables, Depression (Psychology), Well Being, Family Environment, Foreign Countries, Access to Education, Child Development, Cognitive Ability
Taylor & Francis. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Australia
Identifiers - Assessments and Surveys: Mullen Scales of Early Learning; Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule; Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A